Pb(m)-Phenyl (m = 1-5) complexes: an anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional study

Area of Science:

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Phenyl-lead complexes are synthesized via laser ablation of lead.
• Understanding bonding in metal-organic complexes is crucial for materials science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the structure and bonding of phenyl-lead metal complexes.
• To determine the electron affinities of these complexes.

Main Methods:

• Photoelectron Spectroscopy (PES) at 308 nm.
• Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations.
• Comparison of experimental and theoretical results.

Main Results:

• Adiabatic electron affinities of [Pb(m)C6H5]- were determined.
• Phenyl group binds perpendicularly to lead clusters through a Pb-C sigma bond.
• Complexes exhibit a closed-shell electronic structure.

Conclusions:

• Experimental and theoretical data agree on structural and electronic properties.
• The perpendicular binding of phenyl groups via Pb-C sigma bonds is confirmed.
• DFT calculations provide insights into bonding and electronic structure.